You have been asked to participate in a class debate about happiness. You come across two articles about this topic and you decide to use their ideas to introduce the subject to the class.
In our class debate it would be interesting to explore the concept of what brings happiness, but with (1)_________________ (CONTRAST) views.
On the one hand sometimes it has been argued that happiness is something that can be bought. This idea suggests that material (2)__________________ (POSSESS) such as (3)______________ (LUXURY) residences and expensive cars, as well as experiences such as frequent holidays, are enough to make people happy. Furthermore, many believe that if these have been acquired through hard work, they are deserved rewards. In addition, some may say that if these (4)______________ (TRAP) of wealth are a cause for envy, then those who are (5)________________ (ENVY) should consider working hard themselves for the same benefits. As I see it, not all wealth is accrued (6)___________ (HONESTY) or through hard work, and when it is (7)________________ (FLAUNT) as well, it naturally causes (8)______________ (IRATE). It should also be noted that not everyone has the opportunity to get ahead in life, no matter how hard they work.
On the other hand many others express the view that people are (9)_____________ (INCREASE) equating wealth with happiness and that this is (10)________________ (FLAW). They argue that a trouble-free life filled with leisure is no substitute for the things that bring real happiness, the most important of which is friendship. It should be noted that friends can be relied on to give a hand whenever it is needed. Sometimes it has also even been claimed that the (11)_____________ (WEALTH) can never truly know if their friends like them for themselves or for their money. I am inclined to agree with these views. It has become obvious that greed is (12)______________ (RAMPANTLY), and that wealth is considered more important than health or friendship, for example.
All in all, it seems to me that wealth can bring a (13)________________ (MEASURABLY) of happiness, but it is no substitute for friendship.
KEY
1. contrasting
/kənˈtrɑːstɪŋ/ very different in style, colour or attitude
- bright, contrasting colours
- The book explores contrasting views of the poet's early work
2. possessions
3. luxurious
4. trappings
trappings (of something) the possessions, clothes, etc. that are connected with a particular situation, job or social position. Sp. Los adornos de
- They enjoyed all the trappings of wealth.
- the trappings of fame/power/success
5. envious
6. honestly
accrue: /əˈkruː/to increase over a period of time
- Interest will accrue if you keep your money in a savings account.
- accrue (to somebody) (from something) economic benefits accruing to the country from tourism
accrue something to allow a sum of money or debts to grow over a period of time synonym accumulate
- The firm had accrued debts of over $6m.
- The money was placed in a special account to accrue interest.
7. flaunted
flaunt something to show something you are proud of to other people, in order to impress them. Sp. alardear.
- He did not believe in flaunting his wealth.
- She openly flaunted her affair with the senator.
- openly flaunting their wealth
8. ire /ˈaɪə(r)/
anger
to arouse/raise/provoke the ire of local residents
9. increasingly
10. flawed
/flɔːd/
spoiled by having mistakes, weaknesses, or by being damaged. Sp. con fallos/defectos
a flawed concept
fatally/fundamentally/deeply etc flawed
The research behind this report is seriously flawed.
11. wealthy
12. rampant
(of something bad) existing or spreading everywhere in a way that cannot be controlled
- rampant inflation/corruption
- Unemployment is now rampant in most of Europe.
13. measure
measure of something
a particular amount of something, especially a fairly large amount synonym degree
Sp. algo de
He had just a measure of curiosity about the subject. Sp. Tenía algo de curiosidad por ese tema.
- A measure of technical knowledge is desirable in this job.
- She achieved some measure of success with her first book.
- It was a success, containing equal measures of unbridled anarchy and infantile fun.
Entire text
In our class debate it would be interesting to explore the concept of what brings happiness, but with contrasting views.
On the one hand sometimes it has been argued that happiness is something that can be bought. This idea suggests that material possessions such as luxurious residences and expensive cars, as well as experiences such as frequent holidays, are enough to make people happy. Furthermore, many believe that if these have been acquired through hard work, they are deserved rewards. In addition, some may say that if these trappings of wealth are a cause for envy, then those who are envious should consider working hard themselves for the same benefits. As I see it, not all wealth is accrued honestly or through hard work, and when it is flaunted as well, it naturally causes ire. It should also be noted that not everyone has the opportunity to get ahead in life, no matter how hard they work.
On the other hand many others express the view that people are increasingly equating wealth with happiness and that this is flawed. They argue that a trouble-free life filled with leisure is no substitute for the things that bring real happiness, the most important of which is friendship. It should be noted that friends can be relied on to give a hand whenever it is needed. Sometimes it has also even been claimed that the wealthy can never truly know if their friends like them for themselves or for their money. I am inclined to agree with these views. It has become obvious that greed is rampant, and that wealth is considered more important than health or friendship, for example.
All in all, it seems to me that wealth can bring a measure of happiness, but it is no substitute for friendship.
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